Benefits of Being Outdoors and Physical Activity
You will be happier. Exercising outdoors isn’t just good for your physical health. It helps
with your mental health as well. Spending time in nature and the natural light can improve
your mood and reduce stress and depression. Engaging in physical activity produces
similar benefits and often times relaxes and cheers people up.
Your self-esteem will improve. Outdoor exercise stimulates all five senses in a way that
indoor activities cannot. Additionally, being out in nature impacts the brain in a positive
way, making you feel better about yourself.
Vitamin D levels go up. Vitamin D is also known as the “sunshine vitamin” because it is
made in the skin when it’s exposed to sunlight. Studies suggest that Vitamin D may have
protective effects against everything from osteoporosis to cancer to depression to heart
attacks and stroke. Keep in mind, that too much sun can damage your skin. You only
need about 10-15 minutes of sun several days a week during the warm weather. Use
sunscreen if you plan to be outside for an extended amount of time.
You will exercise longer and burn more calories. Research shows that those who
exercise outdoors burn 10% more calories when they walk or run than they do when they
work out on a treadmill at the same speed. When exercising outdoors, the distractions of
your surroundings take your mind off the work of working out. As a result, there’s a much
greater chance that you’ll end up exercising longer than you would if you were exercising
indoors. Another bonus, kids are twice as active when they play outside.
Take advantage of the beautiful weather and enjoy the extra benefits of physical activity
outside!
1. Memories
Going on an outdoor adventure allow you to create memories which will last a lifetime.
Memories made during your surf or as you ski down a mountain often remain close to
your heart.
Some of the most long-lasting and meaningful memories older people reminisce of are of
times they took a trip or went on an adventure in the wilderness.
Hiking to the top of the mountain and seeing the view is something that most people will
never forget. Raft down a white water river, cycle a country, or jump out of a plane, the
options are endless!
2. Happiness
Getting out and going on a great adventure outdoors is good for your mind and body.
Breathing fresh air alone will elevate your mood and make you smile, whether your
adventure is big or small.
When you do physical activities during your great outdoors adventure, such as hiking or
biking, endorphins will start to be released in your body.
3. Health
Just being outside for a walk or a breather will make you healthier by increasing the
Vitamin D that you get from the morning sun. Vitamin D is a nutrient that is important for
your body because it prevents diabetes, heart attacks, cancer.
Vit D also strengthens the immune system so your body can fight off illnesses, as well as
reduce depression.
Going on an outdoor adventure will also help improve your mind by giving the opportunity
to focus on the NOW, rather than re-thinking your to-do list.
This kind of focus is what you call mindfulness, and it is the same kind of mindfulness that
you usually get as you meditate. This, in turn, calms you down, clears your head, and
reduces mental stress.
On the other hand, hiking and trekking outside is also a type of exercise for your body.
Any kind of adventure will require physical movement. Exercise is very important to
improve your overall health, strengthen the heart, and build up your muscles.
4. Self-Esteem
Typically, when you embark on an outdoor adventure, you are going beyond your normal
comfort zone.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be too big a leap, but as you open yourself up to outdoor
adventures, you take a step to being better than you were yesterday.
Trying to wakeboard, rock climb, or cycling for the first time will give you a sense of
achievement that will boost your confidence levels.
In turn, you start developing new skills that will increase your self-esteem and confidence.
The effect of social media also ads to the improvement to your confidence.
These days photos are taken specifically for likes and engagement.
5. Disconnect
With the ever-presence of the internet, phones, and laptops, it is very difficult nowadays
to get disconnected from work or stop being sedentary.
While we’re often connected 24/7, taking time away from technology has its benefits.
Because of this, going on an adventure can be uplifting because it gives you a break from
technology and your work.
There are a range of benefits of a digital detox, with physical activities being one of the
best way to make you feel more refreshed.
6. Bonding
Outdoor adventures are usually a group activity.
Using this avenue, you can enjoy and bond with friends and family during your time with
nature.
Going on adventures are actually a good way to promote team building as well.
That may be working together to solve a challenge, or getting to know each other better
over a campfire.
7. Friendship
There is something special about the bond that is created when you go on an adventure
with someone.
You get to develop an understanding of the other person that you will never have if you
didn’t go through the experience of having a great adventure outdoors, whatever or
wherever it may be.
Going on a unique experience together will unite you in a different way.